On this date in Cardinals History: May 10, 1894

On this date 127 years ago three St. Louis players -- the franchise that would become the Cardinals at that time was known as the Browns, not to be confused with the Mound City's American league club tha came along later -- became the first big leaguers to hit back-to-back-to-back home runs.

Frank Shugart, Doggie Miller and Heine Peitz rapped the long balls in the seventh inning of a game against Cincinnati. Unfortunately, the unprecedented offensive outburs couldn't prevent the Birds -- er, the Browns -- from losing by an 18-9 score.

Shugart was a shortstop and centerfielder who socked 22 homers in an eight year career that included stints in three major leagues: the Players League, the National League and the American League. But he was best known for a sock of a different sort, namely the one he delivered to umpire John Haskell's kisser after he was called out on strikes during a 1901 game with the White Sox. Shugart was suspended for 23 games for the attack and after the season was banned from baseball.

Miller's mother called him by his given name, George, but he was known by several nicknames -- he previously mentioned "Doggie" as well as "Foghorn" and "Calliope." Apparently he bred dogs to earn the first moniker and had a loud voice that accounted for the latter two. He broke into the big leagues at 19 and played every position except pitcher although most often he was found behind the plate. He hit 33 homers in his 13 years in The Show.

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Pietz hit three homers in 1894 and averaged one a season over his 16 years in the big leagues. He was a catcher, first baseman and third baseman and was better known for being one of several major league players who shares the record of hitting two triples in the same inning.

An even 1,800 people were reported to be in attendance at the game which left the Browns at 8-8, 5.5 games off the pace in the National League in sixth place.

About Cheap Seats

Scott Wuerz is a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and a veteran writer. He has penned the View From the Cheap Seats Cardinals fan blog for the Belleville News-Democrat since 2007.
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